PARIS. French authorities have moved to contain escalating public disorder as demonstrators and police clashed in the streets of Biarritz on the eve of the G7 summit. Up to 7,000 protesters, mobilised by leftist and environmental groups, faced off against a reinforced security cordon in a confrontation that left four officers injured and an estimated 20 demonstrators in custody.
The protests, concentrated in the southern coastal town, were directed at the gathering of world leaders, which critics denounce as a symbol of elite-driven global governance. Organisers, under the banner of the Alternative G7 coalition, had called for a show of force against the summit's agenda, which includes climate change, inequality and digital taxation.
Security officials confirmed use of tear gas and water cannon after a segment of the crowd threw projectiles and attempted to breach police lines. The Prefecture of Pyrénées-Atlantiques described the situation as containing “isolated violent elements,” but acknowledged the broader strain on a security apparatus already tasked with protecting 36 heads of state and delegations.
France has deployed a total of 13,200 police and gendarmes for the summit, with an additional 4,000 personnel dedicated to protest management. The operation has drawn resources from across the country, including specialised riot units and counter-terror forces.
The domestic pressure comes at a sensitive moment for President Emmanuel Macron, who seeks to project French leadership on the global stage while navigating a restive political landscape at home. The Yellow Vest movement, though subdued, has not been entirely demobilised, and smaller affiliated groups were reported among the demonstrators.
Analysts note that the timing of the protests, coinciding with the summit, is intended to maximise media impact. While French interior ministry officials have stressed the legality of peaceful assembly, the line between permitted demonstration and public disorder has become increasingly contested.
Some local businesses in Biarritz boarded up windows, and disruption to transport has been reported. Authorities have warned of further disturbances through the weekend, as the summit continues and additional protest actions are scheduled.
The G7 summit, hosted at the Hotel du Palais, is expected to focus on trade tensions, the Amazon fires and the conflict in Iran. However, the visible security challenge from the streets may overshadow diplomatic outcomes. France's ability to manage both the logistics of the summit and the volatility of domestic dissent is under scrutiny.
Human rights groups have criticised the pre-emptive arrest of several protest leaders, calling it a restriction on freedom of assembly. The French government has defended its approach as a proportionate response to public order threats, citing intelligence suggesting criminal elements within the protest movement.
As world leaders arrive, the resilience of France's security architecture is being tested. The summit will serve as a benchmark for the country's capacity to host high-profile international events while ensuring the safety of both dignitaries and citizens.
